Why is this National Indicator important?
We want to create a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe. Longer and unpredictable journey times for cars, freight and public transport users have significant economic impacts (both from higher direct costs of transport and the cost to business of a loss of competitiveness) and cause higher levels of emissions, impairing both local and global air quality as well as contributing to climate change. The natural growth in trade that accompanies increased globalisation and economic growth has created more demands for transport services and this has occurred in the context of limited infrastructure capacity.
What will influence this National Indicator?
The rise in real incomes associated with economic growth influences the increasing demand for personal travel and the ever increasing levels of car ownership that are being witnessed and are expected to continue. Changes in land use patterns and lifestyles have also made a significant contribution, for example the rise in long distance commuting and out-of-town shopping centres. Factors such as road maintenance or construction works, poor weather and accidents, as well as changes in people's sensitivity to delays will influence whether a journey is reported as delayed by congestion.
What is the Government's role?
To set the framework for the provision of sustainable, integrated and cost-effective public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure as alternatives to the car, connecting people, places and work across Scotland and to manage the trunk road network to improve journey times and connections between our cities and towns and our global markets to tackle congestion and provide access to key markets. We aim to decouple ownership and usage of cars by persuading car users to use other modes and are using Intelligent Transport Systems to manage road traffic on the trunk road network. We also are planning a pilot scheme for bus hard shoulder running to detailed design stage. We are encouraging modal integration and working with local authorities to ensure every effort is made to fast track enhanced park and ride provision by bus and/or train.
How is Scotland performing?
The Scottish Household Survey Travel Diary shows that 10.5% of journeys were perceived to have been delayed due to traffic congestion during 2010, similar to the 2009 level of 11.0%.
The data for this chart is available at the bottom of the page
Source: Scottish Household Survey: Travel Diary
Criteria for recent change
The evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 1 percentage points of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease in the perception of delays of 1 percentage points or more suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 1 percentage points or more suggests the position is worsening.
Further Information
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Who are our partners?
Local authorities
Regional Transport Partnerships
Sustrans
Cycling Scotland
Police
Transport Operators
Related Strategic Objectives
Greener
Safer and Stronger
Wealthier and Fairer